Canyons, streams, praire and forest combine to delight visitors
to Matthiessen State park. Located in central LaSalle County,
approximately three miles south of Utica and tree miles east of
Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those intersted in geology
as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock
formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegitation and
wildlife. All of this, along with well-maintained park and picnic
facilities make Matthiesses State Park a popluar choice for a
special outing.

The manu unusual and beautiful rock formations make a trio to
Matthiessen State park an educational as well as a fun experience.
Exposed sandstone can be seen throughout. The main canyon, consisting
of the Upper and Lower Dells, provides an unusual and interesting
walking tour. The Upper Dells begins at Deer Park Lake and continues
to Cascade Falls where the canyon drops 45 feet and the Lower
Dells begins. The water formed by eerosion, is approximately one
mile lone, from Deer Park Lake to the Vermillion River. Visitors
may observe ground eater seeping out along the sandstone of the
canyon walls. As the ground water evaporates along the canyon
walls, the minerals that are carried in solution in the water
contribute to the beautiful coloring of the rocks.

The park has several mineral springs which were a popular spot
for the large deer population who used it as a salt lick.

The park has seven miles of well-marked, well-surfaced hiking
trais for a relaxing walk or a vigourous hike. The Dells area
of the park provides a perfect setting for picnics and an aafternoon
of relaxation. This area has picnic tables, water fountain and
playground equipment as well as a large parking lot and toliet
facilities. An added attraction is the restored fort and stockade
buildings which represent the type of forts built by the French
in the midwest during the 1600s and early 1700s. Additonal picnic
areas are located to the south at the Vermillion River area. Grills,
picnic tables, drinking fountains and shelters provide for a lovely
picnic by the river.